Oncogenes and Morphogens: Intricacies of Targeted Therapy in Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma

The commentary discusses the complexities of targeted therapy in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC), particularly focusing on the role of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway in both BCC carcinogenesis and hair follicle development. The review by Dessinioti et al. within the same issue is referenced, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the Hh pathway's involvement in these processes. The commentary highlights the importance of the Hh pathway in BCC, as evidenced by the presence of GLI overexpression in patients with resistance to smoothened inhibitors, a class of Hh pathway inhibitors. Additionally, the commentary touches on the role of Hh signalling in hair follicle cycling and its potential impact on hair loss during treatment with Hh pathway inhibitors. The authors emphasize the need for clinicians to understand the molecular events in hair cycling and carcinogenesis for effective BCC management and consider these intricacies when developing new targeted therapies.